中级课程» 第4 单元» 第14 课时» 活动中心

 1 Introduction & Vocabulary — Let's Watch  

Wizard:Today's lesson is about women's changing roles. Women do different things today than in the past.
You will also learn how to use adverbs of frequency, which describe how often we do things. These are words
like always, often, sometimes, seldom and never.
Now remember what happened to Marta in the last episode?
She was fired from her job.
Well, let's see what happens.

 2 joke

a funny story or comment

 3 absent

not present; not attending

 4 message

information someone gives another person in writing or by talking

 5 strange

odd, different or unusual; not normal

 6 wonderful

great, terrific, excellent

 7 surprise

something that is not expected or predicted

 8 guy

slang or informal word for a man

 9 topic

an idea, issue, or subject to study, discuss, or write about

 10 rule

a principle or instruction that tells how something must be done

 11 eviction

to be forced to leave or move out of a place, to be thrown out

 12 reason

the motive, justification, or basis for something

 13 Story Start Up — Getting Ready

Marta returns to work after taking a day off. To her surprise, Cornelio wants to let her go, or fire her, because
she missed one day of work! Mr. Cook, the boss, defends Marta. He says Marta is a good worker and she had
permission to take the day off.
At lunch, Marta and Dora discover that their children, Viviana and Juan Carlos, are in the same Work
Experience class for excellent students.
Viviana's father, Benjamin, is not a responsible worker like Marta. He is fired from his job. When Benjamin
arrives home, there is more bad news. He is evicted from his home!
While you watch the video, listen for the answer to this question:
What was the reason Marta missed a day of work?

 14 Story Start Up — Let's Watch  

Mr. Flores: Because you're fired!
Marta: Is this a joke?
Mr. Flores: Oh no. It's no joke. Let's see you were absent yesterday. You missed work. You're fired.
Marta: I didn't come in yesterday because I went to my daughter's school to talk to her counselor.
Mr. Flores: That's so sweet. But sorry. You're still fired.
Marta: Mr. Cook gave me permission.
Mr. Flores: Well maybe Mr. Cook gave you permission but -
Good morning, Mr. Cook.
Mr. Cook: What seems to be the problem here, Mr. Flores?
Mr. Flores: I was letting Marta go.
Mr. Cook: Letting her go? Where?
Mr. Flores: I'm firing her, sir.
Mr. Cook: Firing her?
Why?
Mr. Flores: Because she didn't come to work yesterday.
Mr. Cook: But I gave her permission to take the day off.
Didn't Dora give you the message?
Mr. Flores: Oh, you see. I thought Dora was taking the day off.
Mr. Cook: No, Mr. Flores.
Marta here is one of our best workers. If she takes the day off, she has a reason. Now let's get back to work.
Mr. Flores: Yes, sir.
Marta: Thank you.
Dora: You're lucky Mr. Cook was there.
Marta: Can you believe Cornelio did that?
Dora: We have to be careful, Marta. Sometimes Cornelio is very strange.
Marta: I know.
Dora: Hey, so how did it go with Viviana yesterday?
Marta: Oh, it was wonderful.
I met with her counselor, Mr. Marcus, and she is now in a special program for excellent students.
Dora: So is Juan Carlos! They're probably in the same class. Oh, I knew our kids were smart. See? And you
wanted to send Viviana back to Mexico.
Viviana: It's so great you're in this class too.
Kim: I know. Do you know who else is in it?
Viviana: Juan Carlos.
Kim: Drew.
Kim: I think we're going to like this class.
Juan Carlos: Hi, Viviana.
Viviana: Hi, Juan Carlos.
Juan Carlos: So, you're in this class too?
Viviana: Yes.
Juan Carlos: I'm surprised. I thought this class was for guys only.
Viviana: What do you mean by that?
Juan Carlos: Never mind.
Viviana: No, wait. Are you saying that women aren't smart enough to take this class?
Mr. Marcus: Good morning. Welcome and congratulations. This is the work experience seminar for the gifted
program.
We will discuss important everyday topics such as work issues and newsworthy events. Oh, before I forget, I
want to give you these forms for your parents to fill out and return them as soon as possible.
Viviana: Wow. Why so many forms?
Mr. Marcus: We need these forms to keep track of everything.
Viviana: My mom is not going to like this.
Ben: I can't help you! I can't help you! What do you mean I can't help you?
Bob: Sorry, Ben. This company can't afford irresponsible workers.
Ben: I am not irresponsible.
Bob: Let's see. First, you're always late and you often leave early.
Ben: Often?
Bob: Yes. Three times last week.
Second, you seldom do your paperwork right.
Third, sometimes this job requires you to wear a hardhat. You never wear one.
Ben: Hardhat. Oh, those things look funny.
Besides, I don't need one. I am always careful.
Bob: Sorry, Ben. You can't make up your own rules.
I have to let you go.
Ben: Oh, come on, Bob.
Give me one more chance.
I have a lot of bills to pay and a daughter to support.
Bob: Sorry. You've had many chances already. You can pick up your check on the way out.
Ben: What is this?
An eviction notice! I have to move out in 30 days?

 15 enough

sufficient, the amount needed

 16 worry

to feel anxious or upset as you think about things that can happen

 17 genius

a person who is very intelligent; a person much smarter than other people

 18 all right

something that is OK, something you agree to

 19 promise

to assure, affirm, or say that you definitely will, or will not do something

 20 change

to alter or modify something, to make or do something differently than before

 21 solve

to find an answer or solution to a problem

 22 tough

something that is difficult; not easy

 23 seldom

something that happens rarely; something that doesn't happen often

 24 Life Skills — Getting Ready

Viviana is worried about her mother. With work, the bills, and the house, there is not enough time for Marta to
take care of everything.
Benjamin has an idea that will help his housing problem and help Marta too. He meets Marta at their favorite
restaurant to offer her help.
While you watch the video, listen for the answer to this question:
What does Benjamin promise he will do in the house?

 25 Life Skills — Let's Watch  

Viviana: Here Mom, some more bills.
Marta: Oh no. I just don't have enough time to take care of everything.
Viviana: Oh, and before I forget,
Mr. Marcus said you need to fill out these forms.
Marta: Great. I just won't sleep tonight.
Viviana: Mom, I can help you if you'd like.
Marta: That's okay, honey. I'll find time.
You worry about school.
Dad: What's the matter today?
Viviana: Mama's really having a hard time right now.
Dad: Money problems?
Viviana: It's not the money.
She doesn't have time to deal with work, house problems, bills, plus me.
It's too much.
Dad: You're the genius in the family.
Why don't you help her?
Viviana: I help when I can but I'm in school. If only she had more time.
Dad: Time. Okay.
Viviana: Bye, Dad.
Marta: Hello?
Ben: Hello, Marta, it's Benjamin.
Marta: Benjamin. What can I do for you?
Ben: Martita, I need to talk to you. Will you meet me after work?
Marta: Why?
Ben: It's really important.
Marta: No, Benjamin.
Ben: Say yes, Marta. I also really want to see you.
Marta: All right. Where?
Ben: Our favorite place.
You remember?
Marta: Yeah, I remember.
What time?
Ben: Six o'clock?
Marta: Fine.
Marta: Okay, Benjamin Alfonso. What's this about?
Ben: Viviana has told me about the bills and the house. And she says you are really busy and -
Marta: We don't need money, Benjamin.
Ben: Oh I know. I know. It's time.
You need more time and there aren't enough hours in the day.
Marta: True. It is hard sometimes.
Ben: Let me help. Listen.
I'm about to buy a new house and - and the lease is up on my apartment. Why don't you let me move in with
you just for a couple of months and I'll help you.
Marta: Move in? I don't think so.
Ben: Oh, come on, Marta. Why not? It's just for a few months.
Listen, I promise I will cook.
I'll make sure all of your bills are paid and I'll even keep the house clean.
Wizard: And freeze!

 26 Life Skills — Reading

Women's Changing Roles
In the past, women were usually responsible for the care of the children and the home. Men were responsible
for the financial support of the family. The roles of women are different now. Now one-half of married women
with young children work outside the home. Both women and men often have jobs in order to support a family
and home.
In the past, when women worked outside the home, their jobs were usually less important than their husbands'
jobs. Now, 40% of managerial and administrative workers are women. Women even make up 15% of military
personnel. More women work but they still do most of the housework and say they get a lot of satisfaction from
family life.

 27 Grammar — Let's Watch  

Wizard: What do you think Marta will do? Will she let Benjamin move back into her home? Hm. Before we
find out, let's learn about adverbs.
An adverb is a word that adds meaning to the verb. The verb is the action word. Adverbs of frequency tell us
how often or how many times an action happens. Look at this chart.
When we say always, we mean the action happens all the time or 100% of the time. Watch and listen.
I am always careful.
When we say often we mean many times or 70% to 80% of the time.
And you often leave early.
Often?
Yes. Three times last week.
The adverb sometimes means the action or situation happens about half of the time or about 50% of the time.
Take a look.
Sometimes Cornelio is very strange.
When we say seldom we mean almost never or 10% to 20% of the time. And when we say never we mean zero
percent of the time. Listen closely.
Second, you seldom do your paperwork right.
You never wear one.
Good job.

 28 Making Choices — Getting Ready (A)

Benjamin moves in with Marta and Viviana. He does not keep his promises. He does not clean, cook, or pay the
bills on time. Life is terrible because Benjamin is so irresponsible.
While you watch the video, listen for the answer to this question:
When did Benjamin mail the bills?

 29 Making Choices — Let's Watch (A)  

Wizard: Now, let's get back to our story and see what Marta decides. And action!
Marta: Okay, Benjamin. Maybe it will be all right. I can use some help. You can move in as soon as you are
ready. But don't get any ideas.
Ben: TV dinner again?
Marta: I don't have time to cook, Benjamin.
I thought you said you would do some of the cooking.
Ben: All right, all right. Just bring me another beer then.
Marta: No. Get your own beer. I need to make a phone call.
Ben: Hey, what happened?
Marta: The phone's dead.
What's going on?
Viviana: Dad, did you mail the bills?
Marta: Yes, Benjamin. Did you mail all the bills?
Ben: Ah, no. What's the big deal? It's only been two months. Okay, maybe three. It's not like they'll shut off the
electricity or anything, huh? [bzzz] Uh oh.
Marta: Benjamin Alfonso. Get out! Get out! Don't come back!
Wizard: Yikes! That's terrible.

 30 Making Choices — Getting Ready (B)

Benjamin wants to move in with Marta and Viviana. Marta thinks it is a bad idea. She gives him her reasons
and leaves the restaurant. When she gets home she has a surprise visitor.
As you watch the video listen for the answer to this question.
What are some reasons Marta gives for not letting Benjamin move in with them?

 31 Making Choices — Let's Watch (B)  

Wizard: I think Marta deserves another chance. Okay, let's see what happens. And action!
Marta: What?
You think I need someone to take care of me? Someone like you?
You didn't take care of me before. What has changed?
If you want to take care of me and Viviana, do it from your own apartment.
Ben: Come on.
Marta: You think you can solve my problems?
Well, I've been solving problems for a very long time and when times get tough, Viviana and I get tougher. So
thank you for your kind offer but forget it.
Vivian: Back so soon?
Marta: You know your father.
Viviana: I'm sorry, Mom.
Marta: That's okay.
[Knock on door]
Marta: Now what does he want? Benjamin, I don't want -
Cornelio: Is this a bad time?

 32 Review and Assessment — Let's Watch  

Wizard: Oh my! Why did Cornelio come to see Marta? You'll have to see the next episode. Let's review. Today
we learned that women's roles are changing. Women do a lot more than they used to at home and in the
workplace.
We also learned about adverbs of frequency, words that tell us how often an action happens. Now, remember to
practice, practice, practice your English and we'll see you next time here on English for All!

课程中心